Things to Do in Urdenbacher Kämpe

Urdenbacher Kämpe is a 316-hectare nature reserve located between Cologne and Düsseldorf. It is Düsseldorf's largest undiked Rhine floodplain, characterized by regular river inundations that create a dynamic ecosystem with atmospheric water landscapes, old orchards, and riparian woodlands.

Urdenbacher Kämpe offers a variety of outdoor activities including touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, jogging, mountain biking, and gravel biking. There are more than 90 routes available across these sports.

Routes in Urdenbacher Kämpe have been explored by more than 11,000 visitors on komoot. The area has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,700 ratings.

Several easy touring bike trails are available. An example is the Brückerbach Fish Ladder – Benrath Palace loop, which is 12.2 miles (19.6 km) long. Another easy option is the Baumberg riverside promenade – Urdenbacher Kämpe Cycle Path loop, spanning 11.7 miles (18.9 km).

Popular hiking routes include the Old Willow Trees by the Rhine loop, which is 3.1 miles (5.1 km) long. The Urdenbacher Altrhein – Urdenbach Old Rhine loop covers 4.6 miles (7.4 km). These routes are generally rated as easy.

Road cycling is a popular activity with routes like the Rhine Dike Path near Düsseldorf – View of Fleher Bridge loop, an easy 20.3-mile (32.7 km) route. The Rheindamm Monheim – Benrath Palace loop offers a moderate 29.4-mile (47.3 km) ride.

The reserve features an undiked Rhine floodplain, old orchards, and riparian woodlands. The Urdenbacher Altrhein (Old Rhine) is a central feature, and visitors can observe the transformation of the landscape with increasing willows and reeds due to natural processes.

Many routes are suitable for families, particularly the easy hiking and touring cycling trails. The well-developed network of paths offers varying lengths and difficulties, accommodating different fitness levels. Information boards along the paths provide insights into local flora and fauna.

For comprehensive information and guided tours, the Biological Station at Haus Bürgel is a key resource. Their website, www.biostation-d-me.de, provides details on the reserve and activities. Guided tours with "AuenErlebnisBegleiter" are available for both children and adults.

Komoot offers several guides for Urdenbacher Kämpe, including Hiking in Urdenbacher Kämpe, Cycling in Urdenbacher Kämpe, and Running Trails in Urdenbacher Kämpe. There are also guides for specific activities like MTB and gravel biking, and for attractions.

The Urdenbacher Kämpe is a nature reserve, and specific rules regarding dogs may apply to protect wildlife. It is advisable to keep dogs on a leash and to check local regulations or contact the Biological Station at Haus Bürgel for detailed guidelines before visiting.

The reserve offers unique experiences throughout the year. Spring is notable for the old meadow orchards in full bloom. The regular flooding of the Rhine creates dynamic water landscapes, which can be observed at various times depending on river levels.

Yes, Urdenbacher Kämpe offers routes for both mountain biking and gravel biking. An example for mountain biking is the Baumberger Graben – Zons Rhine Ferry loop, a moderate 34.9-mile (56.2 km) route. For gravel biking, the Rhine Dike Path near Düsseldorf – View of Fleher Bridge loop is an easy 19.3-mile (31.0 km) option.